Bella Caledonia 20 Years On

Join Fiona and Marlene as they chat with Mike Small, editor of Bella Caledonia, about the platform's exciting 20th anniversary milestone. Mike shares Bella Caledonia's ambitious plans for the future, including a 20-day crowdfunder designed to support the publication's next chapter. A key focus of their expansion is broadening the voices featured on the platform—with a particular commitment to publishing more work from women and younger writers who bring fresh perspectives to Scottish discourse - if that sounds like YOU then please get in touch with Bella Caledonia!  More info about how to submit work here https://bellacaledonia.org.uk/2026/05/22/another-scotland-is-possible-3/ We also explore an exciting new initiative: a commissioned series of  visionary articles that will look 20 years into Scotland's future. These bold and forward-thinking pieces promise to spark important conversations about where Scotland is headed and what transformation the next two decades might hold.   Whether you're a long-time reader of Bella Caledonia or discovering the platform for the first time, this episode offers insight into how independent media continues to evolve and why diverse voices matter more than ever in shaping Scotland's cultural and political conversation. Support Bella Caledonia's future: https://crowdfunder.co.uk/bella-caledonia-2020 Learn more: https://bellacaledonia.org.uk Other links mentioned in the discussion: Artists for Independence https://artistsforindy.scot Future Voices Scotland youtube.com/@FutureVoicesScotland Future Voices podcast episode https://youtu.be/CWGr0sgBG4k?si=Wt30zy95Z-zRKsgG Eurovision article by Vishwam Heckert https://bellacaledonia.org.uk/2026/05/18/love-wins-the-eurovision-song-contest/ #bellacaledonia20 #scottishindependentmedia #womenwriters #indypodcasters The Indypodcasters team produce a NEW podcast episode every Friday search for Scottish Independence Podcasts wherever you get your podcasts.  Remember to like and subscribe! Get in touch: Email:  [email protected]  Bluesky: @scottishindypod Visit our website https://scottishindypod.scot for blogposts, newsletter signup and more episodes Subscribe for free to our Youtube channel @scottishindypodExtra for more of our video footage and clips.  Video premieres most Tuesdays at 8pm We're also on TikTok : scotindypodcasters If you've enjoyed this podcast you might like to buy us a coffee?   https://ko-fi.com/scottishindependencepodcasts or choose us as your Easyfundraising good cause. Music: Inspired by Kevin MacLeod Scottish Independence Podcasts is pro independence but not party political.  Opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent our views.